US President Donald Trump will "take a look" into pardoning Joe Exotic, star of Netflix's hit series Tiger King. New York Post reporter Steven Nelson on Wednesday asked Trump if he would consider pardoning Joe Exotic - aka Joseph Maldonado Passage - in light of the recent comments made by Donald Trump Jr. that Exotic's 22-year sentencing seemed "aggressive". Trump admitted that he had not seen the docu-series, which has garnered massive media attention since its premiere, and knew nothing about his case. "Are you recommending a pardon? As a reporter you're not allowed to do that," Trump said before pointing his finger to another reporter to ask their opinion. Trump concluded by saying he would "take a look" at the Joe Exotic situation before shifting his focus back to coronavirus. But many observers felt the question never should have been asked in the first place. Nelson has sparked major controversy online from journalists and viewers who felt the question was inappropriate to ask during a coronavirus briefing. Millions of people have tuned into Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, which details the story behind the rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin over the treatment of wild animals. Joe Exotic was sentenced in January for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill Baskin and for animal welfare violations. Australian Associated Press

Trump will 'look' at Tiger King pardon

US President Donald Trump will "take a look" into pardoning Tiger King star Joe Exotic.

US President Donald Trump will "take a look" into pardoning Joe Exotic, star of Netflix's hit series Tiger King.

New York Post reporter Steven Nelson on Wednesday asked Trump if he would consider pardoning Joe Exotic - aka Joseph Maldonado Passage - in light of the recent comments made by Donald Trump Jr. that Exotic's 22-year sentencing seemed "aggressive".

Trump admitted that he had not seen the docu-series, which has garnered massive media attention since its premiere, and knew nothing about his case.

"Are you recommending a pardon? As a reporter you're not allowed to do that," Trump said before pointing his finger to another reporter to ask their opinion.

Trump concluded by saying he would "take a look" at the Joe Exotic situation before shifting his focus back to coronavirus.

But many observers felt the question never should have been asked in the first place. Nelson has sparked major controversy online from journalists and viewers who felt the question was inappropriate to ask during a coronavirus briefing.

Millions of people have tuned into Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, which details the story behind the rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin over the treatment of wild animals.

Joe Exotic was sentenced in January for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill Baskin and for animal welfare violations.